Thursday, 13 January, 2022
Electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles are becoming increasingly popular each year. If you’ve never owned one of these vehicles, you may be wondering what the difference is between the two. Below, we’ll outline some of the key differences between these two types of vehicles, including their pros and cons. We’ll then highlight some great Hyundai vehicles to explore if you’re interested in getting either an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.
What Is an Electric Vehicle (EV)?
An EV is a vehicle that’s entirely powered by electric power. This differs from standard vehicles, which operate via gasoline. Inside electric vehicles, there are large batteries that power the vehicle. These batteries are typically lithium-ion batteries, although some vehicles may use nickel-metal hydride batteries or lead-acid batteries.
In addition to the electric battery, there is also an electric motor within EVs. The electric motor receives its energy from the battery. Owners plug the vehicles into an external charging station to keep the battery charged. The distance that a vehicle can travel on a single charge depends on the vehicle, but the average is typically around 180 miles.
What Is a Hybrid Vehicle?
As the name suggests, a hybrid vehicle combines both electric power and gasoline power. You’ll find both an internal combustion engine and an electric engine within hybrid vehicles. You’ll also find a large battery, as you would in an electric vehicle, and a standard 12V battery, as you would in any other gasoline-powered vehicle. The large battery powers the electric motor, while the smaller battery powers things like the lights, radio, etc.
There are two different types of hybrid vehicles regarding how they operate. The first type is known as a parallel system. This is when the combustion engine and the electric engine run simultaneously to power the vehicle. An example of a vehicle that uses a fully parallel hybrid drive system is the Hyundai IONIQ. The other option is a series system, in which the vehicle alternates between the electric motor and combustion engine.
Pros and Cons of Electric Vehicles
The biggest benefit of fully electric vehicles is that you never have to worry about getting gas. You no longer have to spend money at the gas station, which can save you a considerable amount, especially when gas prices rise. However, you will need an external power source to operate your electric vehicle. This factor typically makes them a more popular option for homeowners who can install a power source within their garage or driveway. You can also find these power stations out in public, but they are not as numerous as gas stations yet.
Pros and Cons of Hybrid Vehicles
With hybrid vehicles, you’re getting the best of both worlds. You still need to get gas in a hybrid, but not nearly as often. Vehicles go a lot further on a single tank of gas because, much of the time, the vehicle is powered by an electric battery.
When purchasing a hybrid vehicle, you’ll also want to see if it’s a plug-in hybrid or not. You charge the battery with an external source with a plug-in hybrid, much like EVs. For other types of hybrids, the battery charges via the gas motor.
There are two drawbacks you may encounter when shopping for hybrid vehicles. The first is the price. Due to the extra equipment onboard, hybrid vehicles tend to be more expensive than their peers. In addition to this, some hybrid vehicles do not have the same power output compared to gas-powered vehicles. Therefore, if you’re looking for something with a lot of power, you may not want a hybrid vehicle.
Hyundai Electric and Hybrid Vehicles to Explore
If you’re interested in getting either an electric or hybrid vehicle, then Hyundai has some excellent options to consider. For starters, there is the 2022 Hyundai Tuscon Hybrid. This SUV delivers up to 38 mpg on the highway, a combined 226 horsepower, and comes with HTRAC all-wheel drive.
Another hybrid option is the 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe. This SUV offers a great combination of rugged capabilities and interior comfort. You’ll get up to 36 mpg on the highway with this hybrid, along with 226 horsepower and AWD, similar to the Tucson.
If you would prefer a sedan over an SUV, there are a few Hyundai options as well. For one, there’s the 2022 IONIQ Plug-in Hybrid, which delivers up to a combined 52 mpg. Driving on just electricity, you can make it up to 29 miles, making trips to the gas station less frequent. In addition, as this is a new model, you can receive a significant tax credit to make the IONIQ more affordable.
Finally, if you want an all-electric vehicle rather than a hybrid, there are a few Hyundai options to choose from. You will want to explore the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric if you want an all-electric SUV and the 2021 IONIQ Electric for an all-electric SUV. As with the IONIQ Hybrid, both of these models currently come with a tax credit, making them easier to afford.
It’s a big decision when you’re trying to decide between a hybrid vehicle and an EV. If you need some assistance, Koons Woodbridge Hyundai is here to help. Not only can we further explain the difference between these two types of vehicles, including their benefits and drawbacks, but we can help you find a Hyundai vehicle that fits your needs. Since Hyundai offers one of the largest lineups of hybrid and electric vehicles, it’s much easier to find something that suits what you’re looking for. To get started, browse through our current inventory of new vehicles. You can also contact us at any time to ask us questions or schedule a visit to our dealership. Also, be sure to check out our latest specials for even more ways to save. We are always available to help you through your vehicle purchasing decision and ensure you get what you need.
Learn More at Koons Woodbridge Hyundai
Koons Woodbridge Hyundai is always available to help you through your vehicle purchasing decision and ensure you get what you need. Contact us at any time to ask us questions or schedule a visit to our dealership. Also, be sure to check out our latest specials for even more ways to save.
Image via Unsplash by Anthony Torres
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